How I plan to take better care of myself in 2009.

As a first time mum of 1 and ttc number 2, there are a few things I would like to change this year. I want to come out of the other end of 2009 feeling like a mum instead of trying to feel the way I used to feel before I had kids. Pining for those size 8 tops and skinny jeans to fit me again; remembering the admiring glances that always came my way from the opposite sex. How many stolen minutes have I wasted in front of the mirror, pinching in my waist line or glancing at a pre-baby photo of myself? Tracing the silvery lines on my, now dimpled, thighs and feeling slightly less attractive, less deserving of my partners love and affection. I want to allow myself to overflow with love for my babies and their daddy, feeling proud of what I have and never feeling remorse for the body or the lifestyle I left behind – and this is how I plan on doing it in 2009…The Year of The Mom.

1). I will use my baby’s nap’s as “me time” and not “housework time”, to read a book, to take a shower, to have a nap…to do whatever I need to do.

2). Every Sunday afternoon I shall retire to the bathroom for 2 hours and shower, shave, pluck, brush, tan and manicure to my heart’s content. That way I will feel a little more attractive and a little less dishevelled each week.

3). Each time I look at my love handles or silvery stretchmarks I shall remind myself that a body is meant to be used. What good is a perfect size 8 figure when your dead? May as well get some miles out of this vehicle!

4). I will keep a stash of luxury cookies in the top cupboard where no-one will see them and I shall reward myself with one whenever I see fit.

5). Each morning, before I take one step out of my bedroom door, I’ll get myself dressed, hair brushed, make-up on, feeling ready to start the day.

6). After a stresful day with the sproglet, I will no longer turn to a bottle of wine and snacks for comfort – I will find comort in the arms of my partner, snuggled up on the sofa together.

7). Never again will I feel pressured to take part in the fashion show that is baby and toddler groups. I will not join in the competition of who can look their best, full face of make up, fashionable clothes, uncomfortable shoes. Instead I will put on my joggers and t-shirt and get down on the floor with my baby and take part in his adventure!

8). For 1 evening each week, I will go to an exercise class, where I can get fit, meet new people and spend an evening just being me – not mum, not housewife, just me!

If I can keep these things up this year I will be much happier, you know what they say….If mum’s happy, everyone’s happy🙂

I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels like that about playgroups…I think that’s why I can’t be bothered to go sometimes. I haven’t got the time to wash my own clothes these days, let alone do a full top to toe! How do mum’s with more than one kid do it?
Happy New year!
Jen
xxx

“I want to come out of the other end of 2009 feeling like a mum instead of trying to feel the way I used to feel before I had kids.” this goal alone is most commendable. it took me years and years and I’m still working on it. my oldest is 14. partly because I didn’t recognize what it was that I was feeling!

Probably the hardest one to keep as well chick. I was hoping that feeling subsides but from what you’ve said I guess its a little harder than that. We must try as we can’t spend the rest of our days mourning the past. Don’t you just feel like a more mumsy version of yourself sometimes? Its like there are two me’s; one for my baby and then one for my partner. So emotionally confusing!
Jen
xxx

Amen!! It’s amazing when we moms actually take a few minutes for ourselves how outstanding we feel. This improvement helps everything, stress, sex life & dealing with those kids. You end up feeling like a proud momma vs a haggled crusty one & then you do appriciate being a mom. It’s always easier said than done though, best of luck in ’09!

Its astounding what 5 minutes to yourself can do to isn’t it. I just think that I used to put my make up on and get dressed for work every morning so why shouldn’t I do the same now? I still work, after a fashion, and it makes me feel prepared for whatever the day is going to bring!
I hope all the mums out there find some time for themselves each day. It reminds you that your not just a mum, but a person in your own right!
Jen
xxx